Frequently Asked Questions

01 What is the maximum number of students in a class?
At AIPE we want all students to receive the best tuition available. That's why we consciously keep class sizes small, so that every student receives the attention they need. English language classes have a maximum of 18 students and vocational classes have a maximum of 30-35 students.
02 What is the average age of students at AIPE?
The majority of our on-campus students are aged between 18 and 25 years but all ages are welcome to apply. Our online students are aged between 18 and 50 years of age.
03How close to public transport is AIPE?
AIPE is a short five minute walk from North Sydney train station and bus stops.
04What do I do if I am unable to attend class?
At AIPE, we understand that circumstances do arise that prevent you from attending class. If you're absent from class due to illness, then you must see a registered medical provider to obtain a medical certificate. You should submit a copy of the certificate to your teacher or speak to Students Services on Level 5 and international students must keep the original for the Immigration Department if requested.
05When do I receive my Private Health Cover card?
International students need to collect their cards from AIPE Reception. Please note that if you see a doctor without your card then you must pay for the doctor's appointment.
06When do I receive my student ID card?
You'll receive your student ID card at your AIPE orientation.
07Am I eligible for a concession card for public transport?
In line with Government policy, international students are not eligible for concession prices on public transport. Local Australian students are eligible including online students for concession cards. Please contact AIPE Student Services on Level 5 of the AIPE North Sydney campus.
08How do I get a copy of my electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE)?
You can request a copy of your eCoE from a Student Services Officer by informing them with proof of payment as listed on your offer letter. The eCoE will be downloaded from the AIPE Connect student's account and printed out.
09How do I request a refund?
To request a refund you should complete a Refund Application Form. A refund will only be issued in accordance with the AIPE Refund Policy which is available on the application form, AIPE website and in the Student Handbook. It takes up to 20 working days for the refund to be processed.
10When do I receive my timetable?
Students studying an English language course will collect their timetable from AIPE Student Services on the day of their orientation. Students studying a vocational course will be able to choose their timetable online after they have attended their orientation session. Continuing students can enrol via the AIPE Connect student portal access given to you on the day of orientation. Online students will continue to get automated enrolments upon successful completion of the previous unit.
11I'm involved in the professions you teach but haven't had any formal training. Is AIPE suitable for me?
We teach very practical and relevant skills that you can apply immediately at your work that will help you advance in your career. The trainers are all current industry practitioners who, through their experience and knowledge, bring realism to what you learn. In other words, it's not all theory that you can't relate to and will never use. Our qualifications are very intensive and if you study online you can complete them very quickly if you wish (or pace yourself if that's your preference).
12What are my chances of getting a promotion or changing jobs when I graduate?
At AIPE we do a number of things to help you find work, secure that promotion or change roles. We have resources to help with resumé writing and interview skills. We help you meet potential employers throughout the year. Through our industry contacts we find out about jobs that are not advertised and we have access to recruitment agents that help us place students in various roles. Our Academic Support Centre Friday sessions focus mainly on assisting our students in finding work.
13I haven't studied for years. Will I be able to keep up?
It's highly likely that other students haven't studied for years either. While intensive, our courses are well-paced and taught by experienced teachers who know how to enthuse and inspire students. And if you study online, we will be by your side every step of the way.
14When can I enrol?
Students are welcome to enrol at any time during the year but each course has individual starting dates. Please note our on-campus classes fill up very quickly so you don't want to leave it too late. We accept students on a first come first served basis. We have Course Advisers available to answer any questions or show you around the college throughout the year.
15Do all colleges have their courses approved?
No. You really need to be on the look out to make sure that the courses are government approved. All courses at AIPE are nationally recognised. AIPE courses are developed under the Australian Quality Framework (AQF) and are also government accredited and recognised. AIPE regularly goes through extensive regulatory audits and consults with relevant industry and community groups so that our courses meet the needs of industry and the wider community.
16Can I go to university after I graduate if I want to continue with my studies?
At AIPE, we openly encourage further education. For this reason we have agreements with a number of Australian universities, so that the transition from the completion an AIPE course to a university degree is seamless. For more information click here.
17I would like to apply for RPL/credit transfer. What do I do?
Click on the link and download the RPL process form and speak to your trainer. [Download Form]
18How can I view my attendance and my results?
You'll be given an ID and password to AIPE's student management system, AIPE Connect where you can login at anytime and view your attendance and results.
19What can I do if I do not pass a subject?
All students in this situation will be provided with the chance of reassessment. However if you repeatedly fail, a warning letter will be issued by Student Services Manager. We recommend you contact your trainer or Student Services to seek additional help.
20Do I need to pay for a reassessment?
Students enrolled in an AIPE English language course will be required to re-sit an exam or resubmit an assessment if they do not pass. Students will not be charged for this. Students enrolled in one of AIPE's VET courses are subject to the following:
- If you are deemed not yet competent, we will give you the opportunity to a re-sit provided you have attempted the exam and your attendance is satisfactory.
- If a student does not turn up for re-sit exam opportunity or fails to become competent by this time, then you will be charged $400 if you wish to re-sit again.
21What do I do if I have a complaint?
As a first port of call you should talk to your teacher or trainer. If you're still not satisfied take your complaint to Student Services, who will escalate the issue. If the student complaint process results in a decision that supports the student, AIPE will immediately implement the decision and/or actions required and advise the student of the outcome in writing. If your appeal is not resolved in your favour, you are entitled to appeal and AIPE's panel will meet with you to assist with resolving the problem.
22What is ESOS and why is it important?
The Australian government wants all students to enjoy a safe and rewarding study environment. As such, Australia's laws promote quality education and protection for international students. For more information visit Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS).
23How do I apply for my work permit?
If you were granted a Student visa before 26 April 2008 and have not yet applied for Permission to Work, you and your family members may only apply for Permission to Work after you have started your course in Australia.
Note: If you were granted a Student visa on or after 26 April 2008, you and your dependent family members will already have Permission to Work automatically included with your visa. Please visit Department of Immigration's website www.immi.gov.au for further details.
24Do I need to inform AIPE when I change my address?
Yes. Condition 8533 of the student visa requires all international students to notify their education provider within seven days of any changes to their residential address. Failure to do so is a breach of Condition 8533 and may result in the Government cancelling the student visa. In addition to informing AIPE of any change in their contact details, it is the students' responsibility to inform immigration. To do this, students must complete a change of address form available at http://www.immi.gov.au/allfroms/pdf/929.pdf.
All domestic students should also keep the Student Services team informed of any address changes at all times.
25How can I extend/suspend my studies?
In accordance with the National Code of Practice for Registration Authorities and Providers of Education to Overseas Students 2007, international students are only allowed to suspend their studies on compassionate and compelling circumstances such as illness or bereavement. A suspension can only be granted with appropriate documentation including a medical certificate or other proof of reason for suspension.
International students are advised to contact the Department of Immigration as a suspension may affect their student visa. If a student suspends their studies, AIPE must report the variation of enrolment to the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR).
To obtain approval, you should speak with Student Services who will then advise you to complete either a Deferral Request Form or Leave Application Form depending on the your situation. The form is then sent to the Student Services Manager for approval, who assesses the proof attached with the application and either approves or rejects it ie. change assess to assesses. A deferral is suggested when the course end date will be affected and the CoE needs changing. Leave is suggested when the end date will not be affected.
You should make an appointment with the Student Services Manager 14 days prior to your requested suspension date. Once the suspension is processed, you will receive an official letter granting the suspension.
Domestic students can extend or defer their studies upon application although all courses within AIPE have a timeframe that the students need to consider with respect to course completion. All opportunities will be offered to study part-time or full-time in a situation like this. Please speak to your Student Career and Academic Adviser and we'll help you find a solution that suits you.
26How can I receive a copy of my course certificate or academic transcript?
Students can fill out a request form with Student Services specifying their requirement – whether it's an interim academic transcript, a Statement of Attainment or upon successful completion of their course, a final Certificate and Academic Transcript. Certificates are ready for collection within 10 working dates from the date of the request.
27What do I do if I receive a non-compliance letter?
If students receive a non-compliance letter you must make an appointment with the person mentioned in the letter to appeal within 28 days of receiving the letter or you will be reported to immigration via the PRISMS system.
28Which visa do I need to study in Australia?
Students who wish to study at AIPE can apply for one of three visa types.
Tourist Visa
A tourist visa allows visitors entry to Australia. Students on this visa can stay in the country for up to six months and cannot be extended. It is suitable for students who wish to study in Australia for a period of no more than 13 weeks.
Working Holiday Visa
A working holiday visa allows overseas visitors entry to Australia for casual work while they travel around Australia. This visa allows visitors to stay in the country for up to 12 months. Students between the ages of 18 and 30 can study for a maximum of 17 weeks on a working holiday visa. This visa is only applicable to students from United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, The Netherlands, Malta, Germany, Japan and Korea.
Student Visa
A student visa is applicable to all students wishing to spend more than 12 weeks studying in Australia. Students who possess a student visa and have authorisation such as a work permit are able to work while they are studying for a maximum of 40 hours per fortnight.
There are various types of student visas available depending on the course which you're going to study. Visit the Immigration Department website www.immi.gov.au for more information.
29How do I enrol for an on-campus course?
Please fill in an application form and submit it with all relevant documents to Student Services in person or email a soft copy of the application form and relevant documents as listed on the form to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . One of our staff members will contact you within 24 hours of receipt of your application form.
30How do I enrol for an online course?
Simply click on the APPLY NOW tab for your course choice and follow the prompts to complete the application form. Please be sure to provide a valid email and mobile number so our Student Services staff can send you all the relevant information you will require and confirm your enquiry/enrolment by SMS. All the details are clearly laid out but if you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact a dedicated online staff member on 1300 256 118 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Our phone lines are open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 6.30pm and between 10.00am and 5.00pm on Saturdays. AIPE is closed on Sundays and on all NSW public holidays.
31Will I need to buy study material and/or books?
Textbooks are an additional cost and are not included in your course fees. Students should be prepared to spend a minimum of $100-$500 per qualification on textbooks. Additionally, AIPE provides ample resources via our online library and links to study materials on AIPE Connect. Our highly qualified trainers will inform you about the recommended texts upfront in the course outline that is provided to all our students.
32What is the timetable like at AIPE?
All timetables are designed on a 9 week term basis. Students will get 2 - 3 weeks holiday between each term. AIPE has three shifts for all on-campus courses and your timetable will depend upon the course that you choose. Most courses offer both daytime and evening options. For timetable specifics please click here.


